Training Log Archive: Bash

Ran some of the Palgrave West trails with 'Bent, AdventureDog and the visiting Quinn (Thumbs-of-Death's dog). It was snowing lightly after many hours of rain and gloom. We bushwhacked to a hilltop to check its height for future intervals.

My left foot slid on an icy railroad tie on my very first step of running, causing me to wrench my right knee - that must be a new record! The knee has been wonky since I fell on a rock in our early December race. Every time it starts to feel better, I do something stupid.

'Bent and I went for our first ever Christmas Day canoe paddle. Our family is at Deerhurst Resort where we had expected to be skiing and snowshoeing. However, there's no point arguing with Mother Nature. This was fun too.

Although there was no snow, the water was still cold so we wore our dry suits. No other boats were on the water while we were out there so we would have been on our own if we'd dumped.



We didn't see any other vehicle driving north with a canoe tied on top.



'Bent tested the new improved GoPro he got for Christmas.



Fairy Lake, Huntsville



Canal between Fairy Lake and Peninsula Lake



Deerhurst Resort and the famous "Cartoon Map" hill, known and loved by many adventure racers.



Peninsula Lake





The sign is accurate.



I feel sorry for Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Club. When there is no snow over the Christmas holidays, it's tough for winter-oriented businesses to make profit on their year.



(Time deducted for photography.)

So windy that there were whitecaps on the lake and trees dropping branches. We decided to postpone our outdoor activities. Great timing to hang out with family anyway!

"O tragic irony..." (From This Hour has 22 Minutes)

'Bent and I went to Caron's annual Christmas yoga class with live music by professional musician Patrick Dilkie, whose Dad, Trent Dilkie, is in our class.



It's a pay-what-you-want fundraiser, this year supporting our local hospital in memory of Paula Coats, wife of Don Coats who owns Caledon Hills Cycling. She passed away suddenly in the spring. Paula and Don were both in our yoga class.

This is our most calming holiday event every year and usually the last one before we move into family gatherings so the timing is good.

This has felt like a "cautious" holiday season, if that's the right word. A year ago, the beautiful music in this class made me weep. I knew Dad was slipping away and the holidays were going to be heartbreaking. He passed away a few minutes after Christmas ended.

The old holiday feeling will come back one day but I'm not there yet. Dad loved Christmas and I know he would want us to carry on the traditions and celebrations - to toast him with a glass of egg nog, put on a silly Santa hat and sing carols with gusto. I'll try, Dad. I'll try.